Photo by P. Mitchem
Following a three-year effort, the conservation of the “Kimball Farm North” property in South Berwick was completed by Great Works Regional Land Trust at the very end of 2012.

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Following a three-year effort, the conservation of the “Kimball Farm North” property in South Berwick was completed by Great Works Regional Land Trust at the very end of 2012. The 37-acre site is adjacent to the Hilton-Winn Farm. This acquisition creates 356 acres of contiguous, protected lands where Wells, York, Ogunquit, and South Berwick come together.

Kimball Farm North is rich with forest, wetlands, vernal pools and a tributary of Tatnic Brook which flows into the Ogunquit River. The property’s 1,100 feet of frontage on the Ogunquit Road connects two blocks of unfragmented forest between the Tatnic Hills and Mt. Agamenticus, providing for a significant wildlife corridor.

A wetland survey report conducted by Kristen Puryear of the Maine Natural Areas Program noted, “The uplands on the property do not show any sign of recent harvest. Old stone walls and a tote road are present, suggesting the forest has been regenerating since agricultural abandonment, 80-100 years ago.” A diverse plant population was documented by Great Works’ volunteers Barbara and Charlie Grunden. They recorded 152 plant species in one day along with two rare tree species — the chestnut oak and Atlantic white cedar.

A partnership with the Town of South Berwick seeks to reduce road mortality for frogs, turtles, and small mammals by a redesign and upgrade to the culverts, reconnecting the wetlands on the property to the nearby Ogunquit River. “An opportunity for Great Works to bring funds to a community for infrastructure improvements while benefiting wildlife makes this a notable project,” stated Tin Smith, project coordinator.

Since 1986, Great Works Regional Land Trust has conserved and protected over 5,000 acres in and around the towns of Berwick, North Berwick, South Berwick, Eliot, Ogunquit, and Wells. The organization maintains public trails on five public places. Through support of its membership, grants, and donations by individuals and corporations, the organization strategically preserves forests, farmland, and watershed areas through purchases and easements arranged with landowners. Great Works’ volunteer board members, other volunteers, and staff offer ongoing education and recreational outings, posted on its website: www.gwrlt.org.

Funding for Kimball North was provided by the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program, Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea Coalition, Hirshom family, Fields Pond Foundation, a neighbor, and members of Great Works Regional Land Trust. A small parking lot with hiking trails is being planned in conjunction with the Youth Enrichment Center at the Hilton Winn Farm.